Eateries face laws on showing calories

Restaurants and fast food outlets are being asked to voluntarily advertise the calorie count of their food — or face legislation forcing them to do so.

Health Minister James Reilly said he would introduce laws requiring calorie counts on food and alcohol if larger chains and outlets were not “playing ball” by the end of the year .

He made the comments following the publication of the results of a national consultation on displaying calories on menus, which showed overwhelming public support for the measure.